After a long search, my quest for the holy grail (of florals) is over.

I have tried samples of this perfume before and could not get a grasp on the scent. I liked it but did not know if it was for me. But on a recent trip to San Francisco I had the chance to sample a lot of fragrances and compare them all over the course of a couple of days. So many fragrances I have only read about from houses that I did not know. I narrowed my selections down carefully and returned later in the week to make my purchasses. One that I bought was damned expensive but a perfect floral. Sort of in your face strong but without any of that powdery smell that I almost detest. In a way it reminds me of Black Orchid simply because of it's sexy vibe and borderline feminine quality. Longevity is amazing and there is no need to over spray. I will admit that I was a bit unsure about buying this. The cost is rediculous! Cost be damned. I was on vacation. I was intent on getting something special and I achieved my goal.

This scent is a bit green to start and one amazing scent. I had my first full wearing today. So thankful that I made the decission to drop the cash on this even though the cost is high. I will never be without this scent. In my opinion one of the all time greats of pufermery. Much has been written about this so a review from me would be meaningless.

Re: After a long search, my quest for the holy grail (of florals) is over.

Originally Posted by alfarom

Have you already tried the JARs?

Unfortunately I have never had the chance. Barney's had many great fragrances including Nasimoto (spelling?) and others I had never tried but I sort of became very i terested in the Frederic Malle scents. Wish I could have taken home some samples of a couple of the Nasimotos but the sample bottles were nearly empty and there were no carded samples. I can get Serge Lutens here so I passed on those.

Re: After a long search, my quest for the holy grail (of florals) is over.

Originally Posted by Akahina

I have tried samples of this perfume before and could not get a grasp on the scent. I liked it but did not know if it was for me. But on a recent trip to San Francisco I had the chance to sample a lot of fragrances and compare them all over the course of a couple of days. So many fragrances I have only read about from houses that I did not know. I narrowed my selections down carefully and returned later in the week to make my purchasses. One that I bought was damned expensive but a perfect floral. Sort of in your face strong but without any of that powdery smell that I almost detest. In a way it reminds me of Black Orchid simply because of it's sexy vibe and borderline feminine quality. Longevity is amazing and there is no need to over spray. I will admit that I was a bit unsure about buying this. The cost is rediculous! Cost be damned. I was on vacation. I was intent on getting something special and I achieved my goal.

This scent is a bit green to start and one amazing scent. I had my first full wearing today. So thankful that I made the decission to drop the cash on this even though the cost is high. I will never be without this scent. In my opinion one of the all time greats of pufermery. Much has been written about this so a review from me would be meaningless.

Re: After a long search, my quest for the holy grail (of florals) is over.

Originally Posted by Akahina

I have tried samples of this perfume before and could not get a grasp on the scent. I liked it but did not know if it was for me. But on a recent trip to San Francisco I had the chance to sample a lot of fragrances and compare them all over the course of a couple of days. So many fragrances I have only read about from houses that I did not know. I narrowed my selections down carefully and returned later in the week to make my purchasses. One that I bought was damned expensive but a perfect floral. Sort of in your face strong but without any of that powdery smell that I almost detest. In a way it reminds me of Black Orchid simply because of it's sexy vibe and borderline feminine quality. Longevity is amazing and there is no need to over spray. I will admit that I was a bit unsure about buying this. The cost is rediculous! Cost be damned. I was on vacation. I was intent on getting something special and I achieved my goal.

This scent is a bit green to start and one amazing scent. I had my first full wearing today. So thankful that I made the decission to drop the cash on this even though the cost is high. I will never be without this scent. In my opinion one of the all time greats of pufermery. Much has been written about this so a review from me would be meaningless.

So what is my Floral Holy Grail?

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CARNAL FLOWER

I had a feeling it was Carnal flower even before scrolling down to see what was written, maybe because I felt the same way when I first smelled it, but I didn't get a full bottle yet as I don't think I'll be able to wear it very often.

Be careful though I think it's so concentrated that it can stain light colored clothes... but yeah Carnal flower is really good!

Re: After a long search, my quest for the holy grail (of florals) is over.

Originally Posted by hawk

I had a feeling it was Carnal flower even before scrolling down to see what was written, maybe because I felt the same way when I first smelled it

Me too! l finally purchased a bottle earlier this year, having first fallen in love with it 3-4 years ago, it is one of my most treasured perfumes. l agree with the OP, it really is one of the all-time greats, & a must-sniff for anyone who loves fragrance.

FWIW, l tried Jardenia this year, but it didn't blow me away the way CF did. Just as well, because the JARs are craaaaazily expensive!

​​"What is this secret connection between the soul, and sea, clouds and perfumes? The soul itself appears to be sea, cloud and perfume..." - from Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis.

Re: After a long search, my quest for the holy grail (of florals) is over.

A great choice! It's lovely reading about when someone gets so passionate about a fragrance.

The JAR's really impressed me, but they weren't as life changing as I hoped, but I have thoroughly enjoyed (and am continuing to enjoy) exploring them.
The Aftelier's were life-changing for me, and one of my holy grail florals is without a doubt - Secret Garden which is now closely being followed by Haute Claire, I can't rate these fragrances highly enough. I only have a bottle of Secret Garden but the other will need to be in my hands soon! The price is scary too, same price as Malle but for 30ml of juice - uhoh, but worth every bean!

But yes, I think I need a little bottle of Carnal Flower to have around - whilst I love Tuberese Criminelle so so much, I find the drydown (although lovely) - no match for the opening, the great thing about Carnal Flower is how it continues to be beautiful until the end.

Re: After a long search, my quest for the holy grail (of florals) is over.

I have no fear of sweet and flowery! Nor of dark and brooding. But there is something in this that is just a bit more for me. Intoxicating. Addictive. And perhaps a bit of a challenge to wear. But wear it I will.

Re: After a long search, my quest for the holy grail (of florals) is over.

I don't think I could pull it off but it is indeed beautiful. I am excited to see that a couple of people put Tubereuse Crimenelle in the same company as Carnal Flower because I should have a sample of this waiting in the mail when I get back in town tomorrow.